Eternal Life from the Golden Needle Technique

Chapter 545: Chapter 68: Chaotic Battle

In fact, long before this began, many of the prodigies from the Outer Realm had already set their sights on Shen Changchuan.

The legacy of the Xiangshan Sect from three hundred years ago was such an alluring fortune that almost no one could suppress their inner greed.

So, before all this, a large number of prodigies from the Outer Realm had gathered near Dawan Village, the thought of making a move already taking root in their minds.

However, the swift and decisive defeats of first Lu Haoxuan, and then Xuan Guangdao, made the others realize that Shen Changchuan—this man who had achieved a heaven-defying rise in a barren place like the Tian Nan Domain—was not to be trifled with.

His reputation wasn’t the overblown hype the outside world imagined it to be. His strength could not be underestimated.

Furthermore, he was a disciple of Master Wandering Dragon, one of the Yuqing Seven Sons. When Master Wandering Dragon had taken Shen Changchuan away, he had even specifically set up a protective Grand Array for Dawan Village.

This was a clear sign of his high regard and a gesture of support.

This forced the others to be cautious.

Admittedly, according to rumors from the Immortal Sect, Master Wandering Dragon’s current situation within the sect wasn’t great.

But he was, after all, one of the Yuqing Seven Sons—an expert at the Divine Travel Peak Realm.

To make a move against Shen Changchuan, one had to consider his powerful backing.

Therefore, due to these many considerations, no one dared to be the first to act.

It wasn’t until a short time later that disciples from the Divine Calculation Sect appeared, bringing new hope.

Only then did those prodigies from the Outer Realm leave to gather resources and hire the sect to find the location of the old Xiangshan Sect Gate Ruins.

And that led to their current expedition.

However, how could the greed that had already taken root in their hearts disappear so easily?

”Brother Chen, no one here is stupid, nor are they blind.”

”Over the past few days, Brother Chen has probably searched the vicinity too, right? Hmph, there’s basically nothing left but scraps. For a place as large as the Xiangshan Sect Gate Ruins, there’s been barely any reward!”

”This clearly means someone searched this place ahead of time and plundered almost all of the most valuable treasures.”

”And the one most capable of doing something like this, Shen Changchuan, is the biggest suspect!”

As he spoke, Bai Yusheng paused, his gaze sweeping over the several groups of Outer Realm prodigies nearby.

”Don’t be fooled by them waiting patiently. I can be sure of one thing: if there isn’t a sufficient haul in the Enlightenment Grotto Heaven, these people will definitely make a move!”

”Otherwise, everyone has come from so far away. To return empty-handed with no gains, wouldn’t that be a complete waste of time?”

”That brat, Shen Changchuan, is about to become a feast for the wolves!”

Bai Yusheng made no effort to hide his covetousness for Shen Changchuan, or rather, for the opportunity from the Xiangshan Sect’s legacy that Shen Changchuan possessed.

In truth, there was nothing to hide.

Who here wasn’t covetous?

Just like Chen Lingfeng beside him, hadn’t he also used an excuse to get closer, hoping to seize some benefits for himself?

That was a power that had once produced three Profound Pill Realm Zhenrens!

Never mind the Heavenly and Earthly Treasures; the cultivation legacies alone were tempting enough!

”Although that kid is a disciple of Master Wandering Dragon of the Yuqing Seven Sons and can be said to have some background,”

”in my opinion, when the benefits are great enough, he won’t be able to handle a situation where a pack of wolves is circling him. Someone will always find a way in.”

”Besides, we are not in the Divine Travel Realm; this is just a contest among peers. Even if we go a bit overboard, his master can’t say much.”

”None of us lack powerful backing or methods. With benefits this great, that little brat named Shen Changchuan is bound to be carved up and devoured.”

”It’s just that when that time comes, I’m afraid things won’t be as ’harmonious’ as they are now.”

”So, Brother Chen, what do you say? Should we cooperate more deeply to seize even greater benefits from that Shen Changchuan?”

Chen Lingfeng didn’t speak for a moment.

But his eyes flickered. He was clearly tempted.

Although he was confident that with his own strength, he could easily suppress that brat named Shen Changchuan on the spot.

The problem was, his master’s background was not so easily dismissed.

But now...

’What if there’s safety in numbers?’

’Perhaps cooperation is a good idea!’

However, just as Chen Lingfeng was pondering,

BOOM!!!

Suddenly, a violent roar echoed between heaven and earth, and the ground began to shake violently.

Then, the towering screen of light up ahead suddenly shattered.

The Grand Array enveloping the Enlightenment Grotto Heaven had been broken!

The shockwave from the Grand Array’s collapse kicked up tidal waves of stormy currents across the surrounding land.

But at this moment,

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

In almost an instant, streaks of light shot into the sky, heading straight for the Enlightenment Grotto Heaven!

The prodigies from the Outer Realm who had been waiting nearby showed almost no hesitation!

”They’re moving, they’re moving!”

”They’ve made their move! What do we do?”

”Fortune favors the bold! Charge!”

The huge commotion naturally attracted the attention of Cultivators from all directions.

Some of them, who had been secretly following and watching, reacted immediately.

However, their strength was ultimately a cut below that of the Outer Realm prodigies, so they only dared to linger and wait on the periphery.

Therefore, even after noticing the commotion, they hesitated for a moment, only daring to resolve to follow after a good while had passed.

For a time, streaks of light flashed across the sky.

The once ruined and deathly silent world,

became extraordinarily lively.

....

「Meanwhile, in a dilapidated palace...」

”Brother Cheng, you were hunted because he deliberately exposed you. You... you must be careful of that person...”

A young man, covered in wounds and looking utterly wretched, had blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, a deathly pallor spreading across his face.

He lay in Nangong City’s arms, and after forcing out those last, difficult words, his head tilted to one side, and he breathed his last.

Nangong City knelt on the ground, hugging the body tightly. His head was bowed, hiding his face, and his body trembled slightly.

”Brother Nangong, my condolences...”

After a long moment, Shen Changchuan, who was standing to the side, finally spoke up to console him.

Although he wasn’t entirely clear on the situation, having watched from the side the entire time, he had a general understanding.

The deceased young man was a companion, like a loyal follower, to Nangong City.

And his injuries were related to Prince Nangong.

From the few words the young man had managed to utter, Shen Changchuan gathered that Nangong City’s earlier pursuit by Bai Jingyuan was also inextricably linked to that same Prince Nangong.

’This probably involves some grudge within a powerful family...’

The Shen Changchuan of the past had, of course, experienced this himself.

He hadn’t forgotten the time he spent in the Shen Family Mansion after he transmigrated, and those so-called brothers and sisters of his who had met violent ends.

Especially the full-blooded brother of Shen Chong, who had ”committed suicide” by stabbing himself in the back seven times...

’It was precisely that kind of cruel family infighting back then that forced me to hide myself. My fortunes only turned after I got an opportunity to be posted away from the center of power.’

Shen Changchuan took two steps forward and placed a hand on Nangong City’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort.